I was a bit tired of trying to paint seriously, of second-guessing whether my work was good enough to enter into shows or put on my blog, of listening to my friends' suggestions on how to "fix" my confidence or improve my art, what to paint, where to show. I finally decided that I needed to listen less to all the other voices around me, no matter how much they cared about me, and more to my own voice. And if I wanted to play and waste time and pastel and paper, then I would.This painting resulted from such a play session, laying down broad swaths of my favorite colors, doodling swirls and wiggles and blocking in shapes. First I began to see one bird, and then others flocked to join it, and then it was just a matter of letting my imagination go and adding all the fun details to see their personalities emerge. From this jumping-off point, I've started painting other silly creatures. For the FUN of it.
The upshot? I'm enjoying my studio again, even if it is hotter than... a Texas heatwave, and even if I'm not painting award-winning work. Hooray for art! Hooray for fun! Hooray for me!
Pastel on Gatorboard, image 18x24
5 comments:
YES, hurray for you! I not only love the fun of this painting, I think it was therapeutic to you as well. I do this type of thing all the time and love it. Sometimes I get wonderful little paintings and other times . . .not so much. But the important thing is I painted and enjoyed the process. You go girl!!
Hugs,
Vic
Thanks, Vic, I think you're entirely right! Hugs back!
Awesome! We all forget that doodling and play is the basis of art anyway...and you're right, we get so caught up in rendering perfection that we forget to relax and explore! I LOVE this painting...it would look wonderful in a children's room! You and Vicki are inspiring me...I got my Yupo paper today and am going to play!
Very colorful and playful! It looks like you had a great time. Go for it girl!
Thanks for the positive comments, Zanne and Johanne! I guess we all need to get back in touch with our little child from time to time! It sure is a blast!
Have you tried out that Yupo yet, Zanne?
Post a Comment